These Are The Happiest States In America Right Now, Ranked

Did your state make the #1 slot?

Happiness is, of course, extremely subjective and it's difficult to pinpoint one factor that makes one place happier than the next. So, the folks over at WalletHub used 28 relevant metrics under the themes emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community and environment to analyze each U.S. state's happiness ranking.

These metrics include such things as getting adequate sleep, commute time, job satisfaction, average time spent on leisure activities each day, ideal weather, and the divorce rate.

In addition to giving every state a happiness ranking, WalletHub's analysts uncovered some interesting information about each place. For example, Utah has the highest volunteer rate of any state as well as the lowest separation and divorce rate. Hawaii has the lowest share of adult depression, while Oregon has the highest. People living in Colorado have the highest adequate sleep rate, and the highest sports participation rate. And the safest states? Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Hampshire all made the top five.

The map below shows each state's overall happiness ranking, with the deepest blue color being the happiest, and white being the most unhappy. You can hover over each state to see its rank.

"People determine their own happiness. But how content we are with life is not only and always a matter of perspective. And it's certainly not about beauty, power or wealth — at least, not beyond an annual income of $75,000. Where we choose to live can also influence our level of happiness," WalletHub wrote in the report.

"In this study, WalletHub's analysts drew upon the findings of "happiness" research to determine which environmental factors are linked to a person's overall well-being and satisfaction with life. Previous studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life."